SIR Medicine Investigation Abstract
CONTINUUM OF ASTHMA CARE FROM OUTPATIENT EDUCATION TO INPATIENT CRITICAL PATHWAY EVALUATION
Presenter:
Helena Knight, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506
Mentor:
Judith Arneson, RN, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2007, B221, Chicago, IL 60637
Abstract:
Asthma is more accurately described as Reversible Obstructive Airway Disease. An asthmatic person's airways are inflamed and the surrounding muscles tighten, making it very difficult to breathe. Asthma is becoming much more common, especially in industrialized countries and poor areas. Based on the National Institutes for Health "Practical Guide for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma," released in October of 1997, the University of Chicago (UC) developed a critical pathway for asthma. A critical pathway is a guideline to assist the practitioner in diagnosis and care of the patient. The inpatient critical pathway was implemented one year ago at the UC Hospitals to insure that all patients suffering from asthma exacerbations would get the best possible health care. Asthma is a serious disease, but it can be controlled. A unique part of the critical pathway at UC is the emphasis on the education of the patient. The hospital is now trying to evaluate the newly installed pathway. The most plausible way of evaluation at this point is comparing medical charts of patients admitted before the pathway and patients admitted afterwards. A significant improvement in asthma care is what the hospital hopes to see.